Using dogs becomes a UNESCO cultural heritage-FPÖ demands immediate withdrawal!

Using dogs becomes a UNESCO cultural heritage-FPÖ demands immediate withdrawal!

Österreich - On March 26, 2025, the use dog system was declared an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. This decision is viewed as a significant step for the recognition and preservation of this traditional practice. The FPÖ animal protection spokeswoman NABG. In this context, Irene Eisenhut calls for an immediate withdrawal of the regulation that prohibits the use dog sport in Austria. She argues that the ban not only endangers the tradition and the cultural heritage of dog breeding, but could also lead to serious consequences.

The interior and defense ministries warn of the negative consequences of the ban: service dogs would have to be imported from abroad, which could endanger both breeding suitability and animal welfare standards in Austria. In addition, the lack of suitable staff for the police and the army would be a serious problem if the training and exams for utility dogs were restricted. Eisenhut criticizes the changes in dog training, which were initiated by ex-Minister Rauch without an extensive assessment procedure, as an ideological drive and factual.

about the intangible cultural heritage

The intangible cultural heritage includes cultural forms of expression that are carried through human knowledge and skills. These forms are passed on from generation to generation and constantly created and changed. There are different categories of intangible cultural heritage that are recognized by UNESCO. These include oral traditions, social customs and social practices. In 2003, UNESCO adopted an convention to preserve the intangible cultural heritage, which 180 countries joined by July 2020, including Austria and Switzerland, lead their own lists for intangible cultural heritage.

Examples of intangible cultural heritage are the blue printing technique, the Spanish Riding School and the Belgian beer culture. The use dog system could now be one of these cultural forms of expression, which underlines its social relevance and enables access to international competitions.

Current developments

Eisenhut thanks Matthias Dögel and Georg Sticha for their tireless use for the use of the use dog and announces that it will take further measures to promote the recognition and practice of this sport in Austria. The international dog sports are organized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), which ensures comparable and quality -assured dog breeding and dog sports.

The current political disputes and the protection of the use dog system are not only important for dog sports lovers. You also throw a light on the role of intangible cultural heritage in society and its influence on cultural identity and traditions. In the future, it remains to be hoped that the government will recognize the value of the use dog system for Austria and take the necessary steps to support this traditional area.

Further information about the intangible cultural heritage and the associated international endeavors can be found in the corresponding UNESCO departments, which forms the basis for many cultural -historical reviews. The importance of such traditions is also clear in other countries, such as the Meißen porcelain factory in Germany, which is applied for recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.